Black Sails Parents Guide: Is The Starz Show Suitable For Young People?

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When delving into the era of sailing ships, piracy, and the strife caused by the conflict between the British administration and unruly privateers, it’s crucial to understand that “Black Sails” presents an authentic portrayal of the highs, lows, and sheer terrors experienced on the vast oceans. This series has been likened to “Game of Thrones,” but set on the salty seas, and in many aspects, it lives up to this comparison.

As a devoted fan myself, let me share this: “Black Sails” isn’t a series for those with a delicate constitution or young viewers. If you’re considering a family voyage across the seven seas on this show, I’d recommend steering towards more tranquil waters instead. The reason being, “Black Sails” carries a TV-MA rating, which means it’s mature audience material.

The reasons for this rating shift from episode to episode, but you can expect graphic and intense violence, nudity, adult themes such as sex and drug/alcohol use, tobacco use, and explicit language. So, before you decide to let your kids embark on this adventure, I’d strongly advise being aware of these elements.

Language

In “Black Sails”, you’ll encounter a lot of strong language, with the f-word and its variations used extensively by multiple characters throughout the series. There are no censored conversations, so every explicit phrase is heard clearly. Some viewers might find this frequent use of profane language uncomfortable, as it seems that characters freely express their most vulgar thoughts without restraint. The frequency of such language in each episode can vary, so if you’re planning to watch the show in public, be mindful and exercise good judgment.

The TV show uses explicit sexual language frequently, spoken by various characters including sailors, sex workers, and ordinary people. They often refer to body parts and sexual acts using crude four-letter slang. If straightforward discussions about such topics make you uncomfortable, then this series may not suit your preferences.

Violence, Blood and Gore

In this swashbuckling tale of pirates, brutal encounters and “Black Sails” are common themes. The series is riddled with intense sea battles and brutal hand-to-hand combat that punctuate and adorn each episode. The wounds sustained during these fierce fights are portrayed realistically, with graphic depictions of bloodshed, gore, and at times, extreme brutality. There are scenes of torture as well. In one instance, a character resorts to using his bare fists to deliver fatal blows to another, while stabbings and beheadings also occur. One of the show’s most notorious moments involves a character biting into an opponent’s throat during battle, leaving him covered in blood.

Without a doubt, “Black Sails” isn’t for the squeamish – in fact, it can get quite gruesome. Bodies of deceased individuals appear throughout the series, some even being desecrated on-screen. Ships are frequently destroyed by cannon fire, resulting in both ship and human casualties. Characters are graphically shot, with the camera capturing their immediate demise and the bloody aftermath that follows. To sum it up, if you plan to watch “Black Sails,” be ready to confront a substantial amount of intense violence, some of which can be quite disturbing.

Nudity and Sexuality

The Starz series “Black Sails” portrays nudity from its early stages to its climactic end, featuring both male and female characters. Throughout the show, you may encounter exposed breasts, buttocks, and genital areas. There are instances where full frontal nudity occurs, although these scenes do not seem to significantly impact the industry. These nudity scenes can be lengthy and sometimes contain explicit content. However, it’s important to note that extended nudity doesn’t always equate to erotic content; while it might be unnecessary at times, it is occasionally presented as a realistic part of pirate life without being overly sexualized.

The series contains numerous sexually suggestive moments, but they aren’t always graphic and may not be completely depicted. While some passionate group encounters are suggested, the scene often cuts to black before any actual intimacy takes place. Occasionally, couples are only shown post-coitus, enjoying their shared moments of affection. It’s important to mention that there are instances where sexual assault is portrayed, and these scenes are presented in a negative or condemning manner.

Drug Use

In the television series “Black Sails”, some characters are depicted using opium, a common vice among sailors during that era. The misuse of this substance plays a significant role in the plotlines of Season 1, with Charles Vane (played by Zach McGowan) becoming particularly addicted following the loss of his ship and his crew’s death. His struggle with opium addiction is portrayed vividly, influenced by his dreams of Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New). Other characters occasionally use the drug for pleasure, but their usage isn’t as intense or central to the storyline as Charles’. His addiction and eventual recovery provide insights into his past, with his hallucinations and tumultuous relationship with Eleanor adding depth to his character.

Characters occasionally smoke tobacco and often consume alcohol, either as part of their meals or on occasions of sorrow or joy.

Although it might take some time to get accustomed to its pacing, “Black Sails” is an overlooked treasure trove of a pirate adventure series that’s definitely worth watching – just make sure the little ones are asleep before you start.

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2025-01-24 22:30